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    Browse our Japan group tours

    From Hokkaido to Kyushu via Tokyo, Kyoto and many places besides, our Japan tours will get you beneath the surface of Japan

    There is an awful lot to see and do in Japan and so whereas some companies might have just one or two Japan tours to choose from, we have a full range. So whether you are a first time visitor wanting to tick off the must-sees, or you've lost count of how many times you've toured Japan, we have something for you.

    Contact us and we'd be delighted to talk you through all the options.

    Choosing your perfect tour

    With so many tours to choose from, we appreciate it may be a little tricky to decide. Here are some helpful pointers:

    1/ Pick from our four styles of tour: All-inclusive, Superior, Classic and Essential. 
    Broadly speaking our styles reflect grade of accommodation and inclusions with Superior featuring high-quality accommodation, specialist private guides in all locations and world-class dining; Essential on the other hand features clean, comfortable well located hotels and inns but is fairly basic and tour inclusions are more minimal.

    2/ How long have you got?
    We know not everyone can take three weeks off work or away from home so we have group tours from 7 nights to 14 nights in length. But you can always add a tailormade extension if you'd like to stay longer. Many clients choose this option. 

    3/ Solo traveller?
    Our Classic and Superior tours have guaranteed single rooms with a mandatory single supplement. For our Essential tours, a single room is available for no extra charge at Western-style hotels, but you will need to share with a member of the same sex in the Japanese-style inns.

    4/ What are your interests?
    Some tours visit the famous sights, whilst others cover special interest areas. For example, our Winter Highlights Japan tour is ideal for keen birdwatchers (and anyone who likes snow!) whilst A Northern Soul visits the off-the-beaten-track Tohoku area.

    Click here for our 2015 / 2016 Group Tour Calendar

    Click to view a calendar listing all 2023 and 2024 Japan tour departures

    We know there is lot to investigate so why not give us a call or contact us and one of the team will be delighted to help you choose.

    Search for a Trip

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    Explore our latest brochure for Japan holiday inspiration

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    Tours by Date Small Group Tours styles explained

    Filter Results by Small Group Tour Style:

    • Filter by style
      • All styles
      • IJT Essential
      • IJT Classic
      • IJT All-Inclusive
      • IJT Superior
      • About IJT Styles

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    Japan Unmasked

    Small Group TourIJT Essential

    Japan Unmasked

    • Tokyo
    • Nagano
    • Matsumoto
    • Takayama
    • Kanazawa
    • Hiroshima
    • Kurashiki
    • Kyoto
    • Tokyo

    Japan Unmasked is a tour with modest accommodation and minimal inclusions, giving you the freedom to choose where you spend your time and money - whether you see yourself slurping on a quick bowl of noodles or splurging on sushi.

    13 Nights: from AU$5054

    Trip Code: JU

    Departure Months:

    • FEB
    • MAR
    • APR
    • MAY
    • JUN
    • JUL
    • AUG
    • SEPT
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    Tokaido Trail

    Small Group TourIJT Essential

    Tokaido Trail

    • Tokyo
    • Hakone
    • Lake Biwa
    • Kyoto
    • Tokyo

    Tokaido Trail proves that you can cover the classic “golden route” sights of Japan without breaking the bank or missing out on unforgettable cultural experiences, and is the perfect building block with which to plan a longer trip.

    9 Nights: from AU$3895

    Trip Code: TT

    Departure Months:

    • MAR
    • MAY
    • JUN
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    Classic Japan

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    Classic Japan

    • Tokyo
    • Hakone
    • Osaka
    • Kyoto
    • Takayama
    • Kamikochi
    • Tokyo

    Imagine basking in a hot spring bath at the foot of Mount Fuji, drinking sake with an apprentice geisha in Kyoto or seeing Tokyo from the water as you cruise down the Sumida River. This tour collects the best of Japan's classic cultural and natural locations.

    13 Nights: from AU$8360

    Trip Code: CJ

    Departure Months:

    • MAY
    • JUN
    • JUL
    • AUG
    • SEPT
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    All-In Japan

    Small Group TourIJT All-Inclusive

    All-In Japan

    • Tokyo
    • Hiroshima
    • Kyoto
    • Awara Onsen
    • Kanazawa
    • Tokyo

    With all meals, local transport, and luggage handling included there's nothing for you to do on All-In Japan but sit back and enjoy. Covering Japan's classic destinations with a few unusual twists, this trip is full of cultural experiences to give you a stress-free introduction to Japan.

    12 Nights: from AU$9880

    Trip Code: AIJ

    Departure Months:

    • MAR
    • APR
    • MAY
    • AUG
    • SEPT
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    A Northern Soul

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    A Northern Soul

    • Tokyo
    • Nikko
    • Hiraizumi
    • Naruko Onsen
    • Ishinomaki
    • Sendai
    • Niigata
    • Sado Island
    • Tokyo

    The northern reaches of Japan's main island hold some of the country's most beguiling attractions: rugged national parks, mountaintop temple communities, and enchanting hot spring villages. A Northern Soul introduces some of these hidden delights, revealing a side of Japan rarely seen by outsiders.

    14 Nights: from AU$9120

    Trip Code: ANS

    Departure Months:

    • APR
    • MAY
    • JUN
    • AUG
    • SEPT
    • OCT

    Read more >
    Hidden Japan

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    Hidden Japan

    • Kyoto
    • Mount Koya
    • Tokushima
    • Takamatsu
    • Kotohira
    • Matsuyama
    • Hiroshima
    • Kyoto

    Are you looking for more depth of cultural insight, with experiences that take you away from the tourist trail? This tour gives you both, liberating you from the pressure of ticking off destinations or visiting “must-see” locations and steering you instead towards the road less travelled.

    12 Nights: from AU$7581

    Trip Code: HJ

    Departure Months:

    • MAR
    • APR
    • MAY
    • JUN
    • JUL
    • AUG
    • SEPT
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    Japan Enchantment

    Small Group TourIJT Superior

    Japan Enchantment

    • Tokyo
    • Nikko
    • Karuizawa
    • Nagano
    • Kanazawa
    • Kyoto
    • Hakone
    • Tokyo

    With a range of high-end accommodations, superb included meals and your tour leader on hand to make sure everything runs like clockwork, this is the perfect introduction to a fascinating culture often considered impenetrable by the outside world.

    14 Nights: from AU$11590

    Trip Code: JE

    Departure Months:

    • APR
    • MAY
    • SEPT
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!

    • Tokyo
    • Hakone
    • Kyoto
    • Hiroshima
    • Osaka
    • Tokyo

    From day-glo cafés, video game arcades and kawaii street fashions to ancient temples, exquisite gardens and spectacular natural scenery; J-Pop & Go! is the perfect mixture of kitschy pop culture and traditional Japan.

    10 Nights: from AU$5225

    Trip Code: HYP0002JPOP

    Departure Months:

    • MAR
    • APR
    • MAY
    • JUN
    • JUL
    • AUG
    • SEPT
    • OCT
    • NOV

    Read more >
    Winter Highlights

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    Winter Highlights

    • Tokyo
    • Tsurui
    • Lake Kussharo
    • Abashiri
    • Sapporo
    • Kyoto
    • Yudanaka
    • Tokyo

    From incredible snow sculptures and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the myriad attractions of the winter season on Japan's two largest islands.

    14 Nights: from AU$9500

    Trip Code: WH

    Departure Months:

    • JAN
    • FEB

    Read more >
    Autumn Elegance

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    Autumn Elegance

    • Tokyo
    • Matsumoto
    • Takayama
    • Kanazawa
    • Kyoto
    • Hakone
    • Tokyo

    Cherry blossom may hog the headlines, but the vivid colours of autumn are arguably an even more attractive backdrop to this classic tour of Japan. Autumn Elegance makes the most of the charms of fall as it whisks you from mega-cities to alpine craft towns, mountain hot spring resorts and beyond.

    13 Nights: from AU$9538

    Trip Code: AE

    Departure Months:

    • NOV

    Read more >
    Spring Elegance

    Small Group TourIJT Classic

    Spring Elegance

    • Tokyo
    • Matsumoto
    • Takayama
    • Kanazawa
    • Kyoto
    • Hakone
    • Tokyo

    Spring is when Japan casts off its winter blanket and really lets its hair down. Every park is packed with revellers gathered to view the cherry blossom, festivals are underway across the country and nearly everyone embraces the party-like atmosphere – this really is a wonderful time to travel.

    13 Nights: from AU$8740

    Trip Code: SE

    Departure Months:

    • MAR
    • APR

    Read more >
    Walking the Nakasendo & Beyond

    Small Group TourIJT Essential

    Walking the Nakasendo & Beyond

    • Tokyo
    • Iiyama
    • Togarinozawa Onsen
    • Matsumoto
    • Kiso Fukushima
    • Tsumago
    • Magome
    • Kyoto

    Nothing beats exploring a new culture on foot. Slowing down to walking pace allows you to absorb the sights and sounds in technicolour detail, helping you get under the skin of a new place.

    11 Nights: from AU$4750

    Trip Code: WNB

    Departure Months:

    • SEPT
    • OCT

    Read more >

    Small Group Tour Styles

    We have divided our range of Small Group Tours into five categories to help you select the most suitable tour for you.

    IJT Essential

    Flexible, fast-paced tours. Just the basics included, keeping the cost down so you can choose how much you spend

    Style Facts

    • Two- to three-star accommodation
    • En suite rooms in Western-style hotels, shared bathroom facilities in Japanese-style inns
    • No airport transfers (but a city transport pass and detailed airport transfer instructions are provided)
    • Breakfast every day plus one or two evening meals
    • Entrance fees not included
    • Carry your own luggage
    • Solo travellers: a single room is available for no extra charge at Western-style hotels, but you will need to share with a member of the same sex in the Japanese-style inns

    IJT Classic

    Mid-range tours that cover Japan’s classic sights or interest-specific itineraries (e.g. hiking, cultural activities, specific regions)

    Style Facts

    • Three-star accommodation
    • En suite rooms in all locations (except at some unique traditional accommodation)
    • Airport meet-and-greet and transfers
    • Breakfast every day plus some lunches & dinners
    • Selected entrance fees included
    • Selected luggage forwarding included
    • Solo travellers: a single room is available throughout on payment of a mandatory supplement

    IJT All-Inclusive

    Explore Japan’s classic sights and lesser-known spots secure in the knowledge that every cost is included – from your lunch to your luggage handling.

    Style Facts

    • Local professional guides & experts in key destinations (in addition to your tour leader)
    • Four-star accommodation
    • En-suite rooms in all locations
    • Airport meet-and-greet and transfers
    • All transport between destinations (mainly by private coach but with at least one bullet train journey)
    • All meals and some drinks included
    • A mix of sightseeing and hands-on activities
    • Evening entertainment at several destinations
    • All entrance fees included
    • Luggage handling between all destinations
    • Guaranteed maximum of 20 travellers
    • Solo travellers: a single room is available throughout on payment of a mandatory supplement

    IJT Superior

    High-quality accommodation, several meals & entrance fees included, in-depth cultural immersion

    Style Facts

    • Local professional guides in key destinations (in addition to your tour leader)
    • Some private minibus transfers where beneficial
    • Four- to five-star accommodation
    • En suite rooms in all locations
    • Private airport transfers
    • Breakfast every day plus several lunches and dinners
    • Most entrance fees included
    • Selected luggage forwarding included
    • Solo travellers: a single room is available throughout on payment of a mandatory supplement

    Contact us

    • GB Inside Japan UK office

      + 44 117 244 3380
    • US Inside Japan US office

      + 1 303 952 0379
    • AUS Inside Japan Australia office

      + 61 7 3186 8800
    • JAP Inside Japan - Japan office

      + 81 52 253 6068

    ABTA: Travel with confidence ASTA: American Society of Travel Agents Click for the Business Review of Inside Japan Tours, a Japan Specialist Tour Operator in Boulder CO ATOL: Air Travel Organisers Licensing ATAS AFTA AITO: Association of Independent Tour Operators ABTOT: The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust JATA logo ACTA logo

    Order a brochure or enquire today

    If you'd like any help or want to know more about Japan, feel free to either enquire today, give our Japan travel experts a call, or why not get one of our beautiful Japan brochures.

    Order a brochure Make an enquiry
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    We send all our proposals by email and it's usually the best way for us to send you ideas and information about your trip and to answer your questions.

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    ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

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    ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

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